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Setting Time Report

The laboratory report details an experiment conducted to determine the normal consistency and setting times of Portland cement using a Vicat apparatus. The results indicated a normal consistency achieved with a water-cement ratio of 0.25, an initial setting time between 9:30 and 10:05, and a final setting time at 12:40, all within industry standards. The findings emphasize the importance of controlled conditions for accurate measurements and the implications for practical construction applications.

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20 views5 pages

Setting Time Report

The laboratory report details an experiment conducted to determine the normal consistency and setting times of Portland cement using a Vicat apparatus. The results indicated a normal consistency achieved with a water-cement ratio of 0.25, an initial setting time between 9:30 and 10:05, and a final setting time at 12:40, all within industry standards. The findings emphasize the importance of controlled conditions for accurate measurements and the implications for practical construction applications.

Uploaded by

ahmad.khalid.siddiqui
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Department of Building Engineering

Laboratory Report

Experiment #: 2

Experiment Title: Normal Consistency And Times Of Set Of


Portland Cement

Student Name And ID:​


- Ahmad Khalid Siddiqui 2230002811​
- Ali Mohammed Al Abbad 2230007457​
- Sulaiman Tariq Al Quwaie 2230004788​
- Ahmed Abdullah Al Qahtani 2230001952

Student Group: Group 1

Date of Experiment: 09/02/2025

Date of Submission: 16/03/2025

2024-2025​
3rd Year - 2nd Term​
Dr. Altayeb Qassi​
Dr. Eshaq Al-Hashmi
1. Introduction Normal or standard consistency of a given cement sample refers to
the water content required to produce a cement paste of standard consistency. This
consistency is determined using the Vicat apparatus, which measures the depth of
penetration of a 10 mm diameter plunger under its own weight into the paste. The
normal consistency is expressed as a percentage of water by mass of dry cement
that achieves a specified depth of penetration. For Portland cement, this percentage
typically ranges between 26% and 33%.

Determining normal consistency is crucial for establishing the appropriate


water-to-cement ratio for further quality tests, including setting times, compressive
and tensile strengths, and soundness tests.

The setting time of cement refers to the period during which the cement paste
changes from a plastic state to a hardened state. This is primarily influenced by the
hydration of C3A and C3S, which is accompanied by a temperature rise. The
setting time is divided into two stages:

●​ Initial setting time: Measured from the moment water is added to the
cement until the Vicat needle (1 mm diameter) penetrates the paste up to 25
mm.
●​ Final setting time: Measured when the needle, with a metal attachment,
makes an impression but the cutting edge does not.

For Portland cement, the initial setting time should not be less than 45 minutes,
while the final setting time should not exceed 10 hours. Under

standing these times ensures that concrete remains workable during placement and
gains adequate stiffness for structural integrity.

W/C = Water-Cement Ratio

2. Objective The objective of this experiment is to:

●​ Determine the normal consistency and setting times (initial and final) of a
given sample of Portland cement.
●​ Evaluate the water-to-cement ratio required for standard consistency.
3. Test Procedure Normal Consistency Determination:

1.​ Weigh 400 g of cement and place it into a mixing bowl.


2.​ Create a crater in the cement and add the required amount of water (100 ml
in our case, leading to a water-cement ratio of 0.25).
3.​ Fold the cement into the water using a trowel for 30 seconds, let it rest for
another 30 seconds, and then knead by hand for 1.5 minutes.
4.​ Shape the cement paste into a ball and toss it six times between hands,
keeping them 6 inches apart.
5.​ Fill the Vicat ring with the cement paste, ensuring the larger end is fully
packed. Remove excess cement from the larger end and place the ring (large
end down) on a glass plate. Smooth the upper surface with a trowel without
compressing the paste.
6.​ Position the ring with paste in the Vicat apparatus. Lower the 10 mm
diameter plunger until it barely touches the surface. Record the initial scale
reading, release the plunger, and note the reading after 30 seconds.
7.​ Repeat the procedure for different water percentages to determine the normal
consistency, ensuring uniform temperature and humidity throughout

4. Applicable standards:

1.​ Normal consistency: ASTM C187


2.​ Time of setting: ASTM C191
5. Quantities Used:

1.​ Cement: 400g


2.​ Water-Cement Ratio: 0.25
3.​ Water = 0.25 x 400 = 100g

6. Experimental Data and Results

Time Initial Reading (mm) Final Reading (mm)


9:35 37 0
10:05 37 1
11:30 37 1
12:10 37 3
12:40 37 5
12:40 37 Plunjer Failed To Pass Through

Based on these results, the initial setting time was observed between 9:30 and 10:05 when the
needle penetration reduced to 1 mm. The final setting time was recorded at 12:40, when the
plunger failed to pass through the surface.
7. Discussion and Conclusions

●​ The normal consistency was achieved using a water-cement ratio of 0.25.


●​ The initial setting time was observed around 9:30 – 10:05, which aligns with the
industry standard requirement of not being less than 45 minutes.
●​ The final setting time occurred at 12:40 PM, within the permissible range of not
exceeding 10 hours.
●​ The setting time results indicate that the cement sample meets the required standards for
practical construction applications.
●​ Possible errors could stem from environmental conditions, inaccuracies in water
measurement, or variations in cement batch properties.
●​ Ensuring controlled temperature and humidity conditions is crucial for accurate results in
future experiments.

This experiment provides crucial insights into the workability and hydration behavior of Portland
cement, which directly influences concrete performance in real-world construction applications.

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